I scanned an interesting news paper article and rewrote the text for readability.Direct from Sesame Street A few questions about Elmo his young fans won't bother asking

By FRAZIER MOORETHE ASSOCIATED PRESS

New York- First, Big Bird became an unwitting player in a presidential debate that argued for clipping his wings.

Then came word the actor who plays Elmo would take a leave of absence amid an allegation he had a sexual relationship with a 16 year old boy - an accusation that was withdrawn the next day.

The happy band of Muppets on Sesame Street has faced the sort of hot spotlight you might expect for the rowdies of Jersey Shore.Too often, it seems, the show has confronted hairpin detours through the mean streets of politics and scandal.

But the show's producers can take solace in one simple fact: Their target audience remains blissfully unaware, even on Seasme Street, everything's not always A-OK. And despite the innate curiosity of children, there are many questions not being asked this week by Elmo's most devoted fans. For instance: " What made someone accuse Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash of having sex with him when he was under-age, then recant his accusation a day later?" Elmo's youngest devotees would instead more likely wonder, " Who is Kevin Clash?"By now, every grownup who didn't know his name already is acquainted with Clash's longtime role in voicing and animating Elmo.And after the tide of media coverage earlier this week, he recognized as a 52-year-old man who, for the first time, publicly acknowledged he is gay.Clash also swiftly denied his accuser was under-age when they had their relationship.Sesame Street, said its own investigation bore out his claim that the relationship had been between consenting adults.Clash had gone on voluntary leave from the show when, Tuesday afternoon, the former lover, now in his twenties, withdrew his charge. Neither Sesame Workshop nor Clash has said when he might return to the show.But presumably he could be back soon, with his young fans none the wiser. Until than, their charming fantasy can be preserved that Elmo isn't really a puppet but a living, breathing little red monster.That's because in recent months Sesame Workshop, with Clash's participation, has been working to identify a backup puppeteer for Elmo.Just as a successor is being sought for Jerry Nelson, who died in August after decades as the man behind Count Von Count.